fifteen. Y e a r s. of innovation, leadership and impact in protected areas!

Transcription

1 Annual REPORT C e l e b r a t i n g fifteen Y e a r s of innovation, leadership and impact in protected areas!

2 Annual Report Published by: The Protected Areas Conservation Trust Design and Layout - Protected Areas Conservation Trust, Belize. Printed in Belize, Central America Printer: BRC Printing Ltd. PHOTOS Copyright 2011, The Protected Areas Conservation Trust Front Cover Top: Chiquibul Forest Left: Friends of Swallow Caye (FOSC) Manatee Sculpture Competition Middle: Forest and Marine Reserves Association of Caye Caulker (FAMRACC) Field Trip Right: Loggerhead Turtle 2011, The Protected Areas Conservation Trust, Belize. Note: All dollar figures in this report are in Belize Dollars. $1 US Dollar is equivalent to $2 Belize Dollars.

3 C e l e b r a t i n g fifteen Y e a r s

4 table of contents Message from the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment i Message from the Chair of the Board of Directors ii Message from the Executive Director iii Board of Directors and Advisory Council iv PACT Staff v Organizational Chart v Mission, Vision and Guiding Principles vi What is PACT? vii Grants Program me Grants Application, Selection and Approval Process New Grants Large Grants Program Small Grants Program Support Grants Capacity Building Program PACT Foundation MAR Fund Environmental Donations Financial Report Audited Financial Report Protected Areas List Protected Areas Map Stakeholders Website

5 It is once again my distinct pleasure to launch the Annual Report of the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) on its 15th anniversary as the only national Trust dedicated to sustainable management, financing, and development of Belize s natural resources. Over the last year, PACT has achieved and continues to accomplish a number of important initiatives that together better positions the institution to effectively serve its constituents and successfully carry out its mandate. Last year, I informed you that the PACT Board of Directors and the Prime Minister, Hon. Dean Barrow, had commissioned an institutional assessment of PACT; this year, I am privileged to report that both the Institutional Assessment and Strategic Plan of PACT were completed and endorsed by the Cabinet. While the assessment has resulted in a number of necessary re-engineering of policies, procedures, and processes aimed at streamlining efficiency, increasing performance and productivity, and improving constituency engagement, the Strategic Plan, currently being implemented, will allow the institution to continue its growth, deliver its mandate, increase its impact, and maintain its relevance as the national Trust. PACT continues its critical and robust investments in Belize s protected areas investing almost $3 million in new and ongoing grants while still managing to grow the endowment by some $450,000. To date, PACT has invested $22 million in over 400 projects nationally to finance conservation and sustainable development of Belize s protected areas. This is a tremendous achievement for any institution and it is fitting to celebrate such success on PACT s 15th anniversary. Already, PACT is recognized globally as a financing mechanism with transparent and accountable systems of collecting revenues, investing and managing grants even while maintaining its public-private partnership that is hallmark of PACT. I congratulate the PACT Board and Management for yet another year of dedicated service and strategic leadership that has allowed and will continue to position PACT to embrace the many challenges that will surely arise. On behalf of the Government of Belize, I take this opportunity to thank all of PACT s stakeholders for their unwavering support to conservation in Belize and for their continued commitment to PACT. The Government is proud of PACT s achievement and will continue to ensure that the institution continues to grow and diversify its revenue so as to allow PACT to better meet the ever growing need of sustainable financing for Belize s protected areas. I thank you. Message from the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Honorable Gaspar Vega Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment i

6 Message from the Chairperson of the Board of Directors The fiscal year saw marked progress in the commencement of a new chapter in the evolution of the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT). Fresh off the finalization of our institutional assessment, PACT embarked on setting the stage for the implementation of our Strategic Plan This plan calls for the first two years of its implementation period to be focused on streamlining the organization for enhanced operational and financial efficiency. By mid-2010, PACT completed the process of restructuring the organization ensuring a full complement of relevant and capable staff for improved internal operations as well as service delivery to stakeholders. It is anticipated that these changes have positioned PACT to successfully grow and sustain the Fund while enhancing its institutional capacity and overall management. Additionally, the process of engaging stakeholders in the re-structuring of the Grant Programme was also undertaken and resulted in recommendations for further development of the Programme during This ongoing process should achieve significant improvement in the allocation, management, and impact of PACT Grants. As it relates to improved governance and stakeholder confidence, efforts have continued to bring more effective leadership and direction to PACT as well as to strengthen inter-institutional linkages. Along with these new efforts, the PACT Team continued its service to our primary stakeholders our esteemed grantees, investing almost $3 million in new and ongoing grants. Our partnerships with the PACT Foundation, Oak Foundation, MesoAmerican Reef Fund, Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, and other key partners also continued to be strengthened. With last year s achievements, we anticipate that PACT is now better poised to carry out its mandate and we continue our efforts with much excitement and gratitude to stakeholders. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I encourage your continuous support and am proud to share our Annual Report. Beverly Castillo (Mrs.) Chairperson ii

7 Message from the Executive Director It is my pleasure to share with you a synopsis of our work during the fiscal year The success of PACT continues to demonstrate Belize s commitment to conservation of our natural heritage, by instituting a long term financing mechanism to support management of our natural resource. In late 2009, the PACT Board of Directors commissioned a comprehensive institutional review of PACT for the period April 1997 to March The exercise took four months and concluded in April The assessment emphasized that PACT remains distinctive in the region because it is the only public environmental fund where the Government represents the minority on the Board and further highlights that PACT is widely recognized as an innovative, sustainable financing mechanism for conservation that was established by public funding sources. Overall, the Trust s investments have grown at an annual rate of 10.67% and since 1997, PACT has invested over $22 million dollars supporting over 400 projects to various government agencies and non-government organizations, including community based groups for conservation initiatives throughout Belize. The recommendations of this assessment informed our new Strategic Plan ( ) and set the stage for a new phase in the evolution of PACT. Our Strategic Plan was subsequently presented and endorsed by the Government in July As we embark on celebrating 15 years of innovation, leadership and impact in protected areas financing, it is only fitting that we acknowledge the efforts of all individuals who believed in the concept and vision of PACT. The unwavering support from our Government demonstrates commitment to the sustainable management of our natural resources. The engagement of and support from our grantees allows for ongoing refinement and improvement of our grant making capabilities and our national and international partnerships ensure that we are at the forefront for mobilizing financial resources for our country. As the PACT community continues to expand, we look forward to meaningful collaboration and partnerships. On behalf of the PACT Board of Directors, Management and Staff, we thank you for your ongoing support and guidance in advancing the mission of PACT for the benefit of all Belizeans. Sharon Ramclam Executive Director iii

8 Left to Right Mrs. Jessie Young, Dr. John Morris, Mrs. Beverly Castillo, Mr. Peter Tonti, Ms. Candy Gonzalez, Mr. Earl Green, Mrs. Zita Perez, Mr. Lindsay Garbutt, Ms. Denise OcKey The Board Mrs. Beverly Castillo Chair Ministry of Natural Resources & the Environment Dr. John Morris Vice Chair Institute of Archaeology Mr. Earl Green Belize Audubon Society Mrs. Zita Perez Ministry of Finance Mr. Lindsay Garbutt Ministry of Tourism Ms. Candy Gonzalez J.D. Belize Alliance for Conservation of Non-Governmental Organizations Mrs. Jessie Young Community Based Organization Ms. Denise OcKey Belize National Tour Operators Association Mr. Peter Tonti Belize Tourism Industry Association The Advisory Council James Azueta Chair Natural Resources Management Background Mr. Silvano Cobb Belize Fishermen Cooperative Association Mr. Brian Woodye Institute of Archaeology Department Mr. Martin Alegria Ministry of Natural Resources & the Environment Ms. Laura Esquivel Belize Tourism Board Dr. Phillip Morgan University of Belize Mr. Michael Singh Ministry of Tourism Mr. Emil Mena Finance Expert Ms. Janet Gibson Natural Resource Management Expert Mr. Vincent Gillett Coastal Zone Management Authority & Institute iv

9 the PACT staff Left to Right Standing: Ms. Lorena Ramirez, Ms. Nayari Diaz, Mrs. M. Joyce Tun, Mr. Kevin Maddison, Ms. Vanessia Burke, Mr. Mark Zelaya, Mrs. Angela Usher, Mr. Michael Pipersburgh, Ms. Ellen Arnold, Ms. Christine Valerio, Ms. Deidra Smith, Ms. Farrah Tingling, Mr. Darrel Audinette Seated: Mrs. Modesta Cal, Mr. Kerry Belisle, Ms. Natalie Rosado, Ms. Sharon Ramclam Advisory Council Board of Directors PACT Organizational Chart Executive Director Standing Committees Executive Assistant Associate Director - Grants Associate Director - Finance Grants Programme Clerk Senior Grants Officer National Portfolio Grants Officer Southern Portfolio Grants Officer Northern Portfolio Accountant Accounts Clerk Accounts Clerk Administrative Officer Administrative Assistant Office Assistant/ Driver Janitor Research and Information Officer v Grants Officer Capacity Building

10 VISION PACT is a strategic partner in the funding, management, and sustainable development of Belize s natural and cultural resources for the benefit of Belizeans and the global community. MISSION To contribute to the sustainable management and development of Belize s natural and cultural heritage by providing effective funding support to protected areas. Guiding Principles Equity, transparency, accountability, and good governance are hallmarks of PACT The success of PACT as a National Trust Fund is dependent on its ability to continuously grow the fund Being responsive to protected areas and constituents needs is a permanent campaign of PACT Networking and engagement with constituents on a local, national and global scale is indispensable for PACT to deliver its mission PACT continuously sets new standards of efficiency in grantmaking and delivery Effective communications is a key function of the day to day operations of PACT vi

11 What is PACT? The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) was established in 1996 as Belize s national conservation Trust Fund. It was legally established as a statutory body after several years of consultations and meetings with various non-governmental organizations, government departments, private sector and international conservation organizations. Source of Funding revenue is derived from three main sources: 1. A Conservation Fee of BZ $7.50 (US $3.75) per visitor paid upon departure. 2. Twenty percent (20%) commission from Cruise Ship Head Tax. 3. Investments and donations from agencies, corporations and interested individuals. The revenue derived is invested back into the protected areas through PACT s Grants Programme. vii

12 Grants Programme PACT s Grants Programme was established in 1997 as a Small Grants Program. This Programme has since evolved and at present the portfolio of grants includes: Project Grants Small Grants Medium-Sized Grants Large Grants Environmental Support Grants Planning Grants Financial Aid Grants Capacity Building Grants Research Grants Environmental Fellowships Capacity Development Grants Individual Professional Development Grants Local Workshop/Seminar Implementation Grants At the end of the first quarter of fiscal year , PACT restructured the Grants Programme into portfolios in an effort to equitably distribute the work load among the Grant Officers. PACT now has a Northern, Southern, National and a Capacity Building Portfolio. PACT also commenced the reengineering of the Grants Manual to allow multiple organizations to merge to apply for larger grants, revising our Scholarship Programme (now Environmental Fellowship), and instituting of a multi-tiered granting scheme. Call for proposal Grants Application, Selection and Approval Process All project applications submitted to PACT undergo three levels of screening: an eligibility screening process by PACT s Internal Screening Committee (ISC), a technical evaluation by the Advisory Council (AC) and a final review by PACT s Board of Directors (BoD) who then makes the final decision on all grants. The first screening process by the ISC ensures the completeness of the application and general evaluation of the application. The Advisory Council then focuses on the technical merits, feasibility and relevance of the application to PACT s mission, strategic plan, National Protected Areas Policy and Systems Plan (NPAPSP) and any other relevant policy. Lastly, projects recommended by the AC are presented to the BoD for final consideration. Grant Agreement Application Submission Completeness and Eligibility by Project Officers Grant management 1st Disbursement Project Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Project Completion Eligible Organization Reporting Site Visits/ Meetings Subsequent Disbursement Proposal Approved Technical Evaluation by Advisory Council Board Evaluation Application and Approval External Evaluation For more on the Grants Programme and to read more on the Project Features, visit our website: pactbelize.org/news.aspx. The purpose of the PACT s Grants Programme is to support protected areas projects through four funding areas: Protected Areas Management and Conservation Protected Areas Promotion and Development Environmental Education and Awareness Community Development around Protected Areas 1

13 new grants This fiscal year ( ) PACT awarded a total of 34 New Grants to various ogranizations. Small Grants 10 Support Grants 7 Capacity Building Grants 7 PACT Foundation Grants 5 Environmental Donations 5 PACT continues to administer a total of 59 projects under the Grants Programme. Chiquibul National Park Chiquibul is the largest protected area in Belize and is home to the longest and largest known network of caves in Central America the Chiquibul Cave System and the highest point in Belize Doyle s Delight (3,688 feet). It is co-managed by Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) who works to maintain the beauty and diversity of the area. Gladden Spit Marine Reserve Gladden Spit is comprised of 3 small cayes and located in the Great Barrier Reef and contains the best-developed and most continuous reef due to its elevation, good water quality, and modified wave regime. This protected area is managed by the Southern Environmental Association (SEA) which mainly oversees whale shark tourism at Gladden Spit. Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary Cockscomb is the world s first jaguar preserve. This area is managed by the Belize Audubon Society (BAS). The Sanctuary is home to over 300 species of wildlife including all 5 of Belize s cats Ocelot, Margay, Jaguarondi, Puma and the Jaguar. It is also home to the second highest point in Belize, the famous Victoria Peak (3,675 feet). Area: 285, A must see at Chiquibul: Scarlet Macaw Area: 25, A must see at Gladden Spit: Parrot Fish Area: 124, A must see at Cockscomb: Victoria Peak

14 Gladden Spit & Silk Cayes Marine Reserve Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary Chiquibul National Park 3

15 Large Grants This year, PACT successfully closed four Large Grants and continues to administer 2 ongoing grants for the Fisheries Department and Association of Protected Areas Management Organization (APAMO). Project Feature Through their large grant, APAMO aims to address capacity building needs of co-managers through the development of an initial one year capacity development program which will provide direct support in 3 key areas: (1) training and mentoring in organizational planning, financial management, project development, and board development; (2) support through hiring of project managers and assistants; and (3) provision of equipment and communications in order to have a functional office. To date all trainings have been completed and the co-managers have finalized financial reports, strategic plans, and operational plans and budgets. In the next few months, these co-managers will be presenting their work as the project closes. It is important for these organizations to improve their organizational competiencies in order to meet co-management obligations within the co-management framework, so as to be more effective partners and viable co-managers of protected areas. Capacity Building Workshops APAMO Development of NRM Program UB 4

16 Organization Forest Department Table 1. List of Ongoing Large Grants Title/ Description Improving protected areas management in Belize through the institutional strengthening of the Biodiversity Management Programme of the Forest Department Duration Status Date Approved 6 years 10 months Amount Approved Completed Feb $889, Objectives 1. Provided strategic direction and guidance to the Forest Department s programmes and sub-programmes 2. Provided direction for the effective administration and development of protected areas 3. Strengthened and revitalized the biodiversity management programme of the Forest Department Belize Audubon Society (BAS) Towards the sustainability of BAS managed protected areas 4 years 9 months Completed Aug $455, Objectives 1. Increased the level of sustainability through expansion and further development of tourism infrastructure 2. Strengthened the Biodiversity Information System within the organization 3. Decreased anthropogenic (human) threats to biodiversity and natural resources at Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Half Moon Caye Natural Monument University of Belize (UB) Developing the University of Belize s Natural Resource Management (NRM) Program 4 years 6 months Completed Nov $825, Objectives 1. Built capacity within the NRM Program which included acquisition of equipment, computers, laboratories and transportation necessary to support teaching and project activities 2. Developed the UB campus and associated properties at Middle Long Caye, Hunting Caye and Calabash Caye that provided quality education programs to both national and international students 3. Increased awareness, knowledge and support for the NRM Program through public awareness and promotional activities 4. Established endowed chairs in Marine/Coastal Resource Management and Terrestrial/ Watershed Resource Management 5. Developed and promoted research and projects that are of national priority and need in collaboration with governmental agencies, national organizations and communities involved in natural resource management Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) Sustainable management programme for the core conservation of the Chiquibul Maya Mountain key biodiversity area in Belize 4 years 2 months Objectives 1. Established an administrative structure for the Chiquibul National Park 2. Developed and instituted a cooperation building and public awareness strategy 3. Established a viable and integrated sustainable management program 4. Reduced illegal incursions in the Chiquibul/ Maya Mountains Key Biodiversity area Fisheries Department Towards the sustainability of the Marine Reserve Network (MRN) in Belize 2 years 5 months Completed Oct $839, Ongoing Mar $455, Objectives 1. Strengthened the central operational center within the Marine Reserve Network and stakeholders 2. Decreased illegal activities and promote safety at the marine reserves, co-management partners and operation center 3. Increased public awareness on marine protected areas of Belize 4. Minimized user conflicts and abolished anchor damage in the marine protected areas and highly visited recreation areas 5. Enhanced staff capacity in monitoring, research, enforcement, environmental education and public relations Association of Protected Areas Management Organization (APAMO) Support for capacity building for improved protected areas management in Belize 1 year 8 months Ongoing Feb $236, Objectives 1. Increased the institutional capacity of at least 4 conservation CBO s in four key governance and management areas 2. Improved the management and conservation of 4 protected areas through increased capacity of at least 4 CBO s Total $3,701,

17 Small Grants For this fiscal year, PACT awarded 10 Small Grants at a total value of $845, The grantees are detailed in the table below. Nine of those projects are still ongoing with FCD having completed one of their projects. See below a short feature on the going project. Project Feature The Chiquibul Forest encompasses 16.8 percent (437,376 acres) of all protected areas, making it the largest protected area in Belize. PACT awarded $100,000 to FCD for their project entitled Strengthening Management Effectiveness in the Chiquibul Forest. This grant is to support FCD s efforts to establish and implement a framework for biodiversity monitoring and management and continue addressing illegal incursions in the Chiquibul Forest. After three years of active surveillance and law enforcement the Chiquibul Forest still requires resources to mitigate the multiple impacts. On the brighter side, the Chiquibul Forest is home to the Scarlet Macaw which is rarely, if ever spotted on the regular in Belize and most Belizeans have never seen this magnificent bird in the wild. In fact, the only other place PACT staff has seen this bird is at the Belize Zoo. In Chiquibul, we saw them in numbers of more than 10 at a time! Chiquibul Forest FCD 6 Table 2. List of Small Grants for the period April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011 Organization Title/ Description Duration Status Date Approved Amount Approved Belize Fishermen Cooperatives Association (BFCA) Implementation of BFCA s Strategic Plan 9 months Ongoing Sep $50, Objectives 1. Provide critical data for the management of the commercial fishery through the development of a database that will document all fishers and gear used, and monitor production from reserves where possible 2. Have in place a reconstituted, accountable, transparent, effective, and responsive governance structure that is reflective of the fishing industry and that has representation from all the major fishing communities Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) A Sustainable Management Follow-Up Program for the Chiquibul National Park (CNP) 6 months Completed Sep $50, Objective 1. Maintained management presence within the CNP and established methods of collaboration with partners and stakeholders of the Chiquibul Maya Mountains Key Biodiversity Area Ya axche Conservation Trust Ensuring the maintenance of the ecological integrity of Bladen Nature Reserve (BNR) through targeted enforcement supported by the structured biodiversity research and monitoring program 9 months Ongoing Oct $50, Objectives 1. Improve the current size and condition of the game species populations 2. Establish an effective and coordinated multi-agency landscape level patrol system 3. Reduce hunting and illegal incursions in BNR through a structured patrolling system 4. Maintain the broadleaf forest in its current condition or better, and ensure continued connectivity

18 Organization Table 2. List of Small Grants for the period April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011 Title/ Description Duration Status Date Approved Amount Approved Restore Belize Education for Conservation Initiative 26 months Ongoing Oct $100, Objective 1. Increase high school attendance in Belize Southern Environmental Association (SEA) Improving Adaptive Management by Enhancing Linkages between Science and Enforcement 13 months Ongoing Dec $102, Objectives 1. Stabilize and maintain commercial species 2. Establish carrying capacities for Laughing Bird Caye National Park (LBCNP), Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve (GSSCMR) and Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve (SCMR) to determine the level of tourism and other related impacts on the marine resources 3. Reduce the level of illegal fishing activity within LBCNP, GSSCMR, and SCMR Ya axche Conservation Trust Strengthening Surveillance and Research within Bladen Nature Reserve (BNR) Objectives 1. Maintain a more comprehensive Biodiversity Database 2. Reduce illegal incursions and hunting in BNR Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) Strengthening Management Effectiveness in the Chiquibul Forest 12 months Ongoing Dec $99, months Ongoing Dec $100, Objectives 1. Implement framework for effective management of the Chiquibul Forest 2. Reduce illegal activities in the Chiquibul Forest 3. Institute a research and monitoring system that will actively assist in the management of the Chiquibul National Park Forest and Marine Reserves Association of Caye Caulker (FAMRACC) Community Involvement in Marine Protected Areas Data Collection and Management 12 months Ongoing Dec $100, Objectives 1. Revisit Rapid Environmental Assessment site and conduct new area surveys throughout Caye Caulker Marine Reserve (CCMR) 2. Improve conduct of guides and fishermen at North Channel and Mini-Reef 3. Conduct a detailed baseline and assessment of condition of rare, threatened and endangered Coral species in and adjacent to CCMR as part of a countrywide effort 4. Improve numbers and size of commercial species within CCMR no-take zone as compared with extraction zones Friends of Swallow Caye (FOSC) Research, Management and Communications Development at Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary 12 months Ongoing Dec $100, Objectives 1. Have a sound business plan that fully resources the sanctuary well into the next decade 2. Impress Belize and the world with the importance of the manatees of Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary 3. Have the Sanctuary become more relevant to the needs of more user groups 4. Have the benefit of more information about the manatees for the improved management of the Sanctuary 5. Have a relevant and cutting edge management plan Belize Development Foundation (BDF) Sustainable Management of the Elijio Panti National Park 12 months Ongoing Dec $94, Objective 1. Upgrade infrastructure at the national park to increase revenue generation for sustainability Total $845,

19 Small Grants Caye Caulker Forest & Marine Reserve FAMRACC Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary FOSC 8 Bladen Nature Reserve Ya axche

20 Environmental Support Grants PACT awarded over $100,000 in Environmental Support Grants for this fiscal year, making possible 7 projects. Project Feature ECOMAR is a charitable company who adopted its name from the activities of the PACT Challenge As their goal is to promote Conservation Through Education, ECOMAR launched the Turtle Watch Program this year (2011) which aims to increase awareness of sea turtle legislation and conservation among the general public, coastal property owners, divers, snorkelers, fishermen, marine protected area managers, and NGOs. Today, Belize hosts three major turtle species: Hawksbill, Loggerhead, and Green Sea Turtles which nest near the Turneffe Atolls in the Great Barrier Reef. Table 3. List of Support Grants Approved for the period April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011 Organization Geology and Petroleum Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment Aldebaran Marine Research and Broadcast Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) Environmental Conservation Organization (ECO- MAR) Fisheries Department Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education (BFREE) Programme for Belize (PfB) Title/ Description Duration Status Date Approved Amount Approved Public Awareness/Infomercial 1 month Completed Aug $10, Clean Up Belize Campaign 8 months Ongoing Oct $10, Enhancing Biodiversity Conservation in the Sarstoon Temash Region 6 months Ongoing Jan $13, ($6000 OAK and $6000 PACT) Turtle Watch Program months Ongoing Feb $24, Towards Strategic Management of the Sport Fishery in Belize Monitor and protect the most northerly known nest, nestling and breeding pair of Harpy Eagles in the Bladen Nature Reserve Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Forest Fire Control Turtle Watch Program ECOMAR 4 months Ongoing Feb $9, months Ongoing Feb $12, month Ongoing Jun $25, Total $105, Sarstoon Temash National Park SATIIM 9

21 Capacity Building Grants PACT continues to administer two Research Grants. PACT awarded two Scholarships for pursuit of bachelor s degree, the final two to be awarded since the introduction of the Environmental Fellowship Grant this year. This year, Capacity Development Grants totaled $42, which accounts for seven Grants, one of which was facilitated by PACT, Operational Planning Training Workshop, as a part of the mentorship program. The workshop was in collaboration with Friends for Conservation Development and catered for eight Community Based Organizations. The main objective of the workshop was to promote more effective protected areas management through organizational capacity development. Aside from the many species identified to be at risk, why bats? Bats provide critical ecosystem services such as pollinators, seed dispersers, and insect predators. If we lose the bats and the ecosystem services they provide, we may lose much of the tropical forests and vegetation. With tropical forests helping to reduce CO2 that contributes to global warming and climate change, we cannot afford to ignore the silent nocturnal majority and the ecosystem services they provide. (Dr. Bruce Miller) Project Feature Ya axche Conservation Trust s Workshop served as a training session to prepare their field staff for the implementation of a long term Bat Monitoring Program within the Bladen Nature Reserve and surrounding communities. The workshop was also extended to field staff from other local conservation NGOs. The workshop was facilitated by Dr. Bruce Miller, a leading Bat Biologist and Conservation Zoologist. Participants learned how to operate acoustic monitoring units, how to collect and extract data using these units, and procedures for trapping actual specimens. The monitoring of bat species is a very important step in conservation and biodiversity monitoring as bats play a very important role in the ecosystem as pollinators. Bats also serve as indicator species of ecosystem health and even climate change. Bat Workshop Ya axche 10

22 Table 4. List of Ongoing Research Grants Individual Research Area Objective Duration Date Approved Faustino Chi Omar Figueroa Long term patterns of recovery in mangrove forests and island changes from hurricanes at Turneffe Atoll, Belize Spatial Ecology and Conservation of the Jaguar (Panthera Onca) in Belize To quantify the efforts of disturbance from Hurricane Hattie (1961) and subsequent storms on the community and landscape level ecosystem dynamics in mangrove forest at Turneffe Atoll To provide new information on spatial ecology, behavior and diet of Jaguars in central Belize, information that is necessary to help guide management and conservation of this region Jan Aug Nov Oct Amount Approved Jan $19, Nov $28, Total $48, Table 5. List of Scholarship Grants Approved for the period April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011 Individual Program of Study Institution District Duration Date Approved Elbert Cowo Amin Bobadilla Bachelor s Degree in Agricultural Science and Natural Resource Bachelor s Degree in Natural Resources EARTH University, Costa Rica University of Belize Corozal Orange Walk Jan Dec Sep May Amount Approved May $110, Aug $9, Total $119, Capacity Building for CBO s PACT & FCD 11

23 Table 6. List of Local Workshop/Seminar and Individual Professional Development Grants for the period April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011 Organization Forest Department Lands Information Center (LIC) Ya axche Conservation Trust Fisheries Department Belize Audubon Society (BAS) Forest Department Sarteneja Fishermen Association, Trial Farm Village Council, Belize Fishermen Cooperative Association, Cayo Quality Honey Producers Cooperative, Belize Development Foundation, Itzamna Society, San Miguel River Watchers, Rio Blanco Mayan Association Title/ Description Co-managers Annual General Meeting 2011 Introduction to ArcGIS 10 Desktop (mapping tool) Bat Survey and Monitoring Workshop for Conservation NGO s in Toledo Ocean Governance: Policy, Law and Management Training Programme 2011 UNESCO-Sub Regional meeting for the Periodic Reporting exercise of the Caribbean Region Meeting of the Trinational Coordinating Group (GCT) as part of the Project Fomento Del Manejo del Ecosistema Trinational de la Selva Maya Operational Planning Training Workshop Objective Duration Date Approved To provide a platform for Forest Department and its partners to dialogue over the year s activities and plan for the coming year To facilitate training of LIC staff in the use and applications of ArcGIS software to better serve its function to provide natural resource data to the public and decision makers To build capacity of the field staff from three NGOs in Southern Belize in Bat ecology, acoustic bat monitoring equipment and methodologies to prepare the NGO s for a bat survey in Toledo (Phase II Bat Risk Assessment) To provide training to a staff member in international ocean management practices, new institutional and legal infrastructures that help to build cooperation at the local, national and international levels To train site managers and Focal points of the World Heritage Site in the completion of the Periodic Reporting questionnaire and Retrospective inventory process To participate in the Trinational Coordinating Group to discuss progress made in the implementation of the said project and open discussions with the German Cooperation KfW interested in funding a project for the region To facilitate training, in collaboration with FCD, in operational planning for 8 CBOs and mentorship for the development of respective operational plans for Amount Approved Jun Mar $9, Mar Mar $2, Apr Feb $4, May.18-Jun Feb $7, Apr Mar , Dec Dec $1, Nov May Nov $13, Total $42,

24 PACT Foundation The Government of Belize signed the Debt for Nature Swap with the US Government and local NGO s on September 28, This agreement required the US Government, with funds from The Nature Conservancy (TNC), to retire (US) $9 million in debt from the Government of Belize. In return, the Belizean Government would issue two bonds in the amount of (US) $7.2 million which would be used in collaboration with local NGO s to protect valuable forests in the country. The local NGO s were committed to conserve and manage tropical forests and use the endowments for continued conservation efforts. This agreement became known as the Tropical Forest Conservation Agreement (TFCA). A product of this agreement was the creation of the PACT Foundation which was officially established in November The PACT Foundation, along with the Belize Audubon Society, Programme for Belize, and the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment are the beneficiaries of this first debt for nature swap. Through this agreement, these four organizations receive monthly contributions from the Government of Belize. The role of the PACT Foundation as per the TFCA was to establish an endowment account with the funds received from the Debt for Nature Swap and issue small grants from the interest income earned from this account. Recipients of these small grants would not include the non-government organizations partaking in this agreement. The PACT Foundation is a separate legal entity from the PACT Trust, but the Trust serves as the administrator of the Foundation s grants program. Through this agreement, funding is provided to registered management organizations of terrestrial protected areas to carry out projects in the areas of general park management and protection, environmental education, equipment, training and research. Under the PACT Foundation grants program, prospective grantees submit proposals in response to Calls for Proposals which are advertised at least once a year for grants up to $39, This year, 5 new grants were awarded by the PACT Foundation, totalling $154, Ya axche Conservation Trust s project seeks to compile an inventory of forest species present within the Golden Stream Corridor Preserve (GSCP) and Bladen Nature Reserve (BNR), enhancing the current knowledge base of biodiversity and environmental services. The forest inventory will provide accurate information for sustainable extraction practices and will supply Ya axche with improved statistics for reception of carbon funding from the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) Program, thus starting a sustainable financing mechanism for the management of the BNR. Project Feature A major expected outcome of the project is to, as accurately as possible, calculate the live carbon contained within the GSCP. The first output towards this is the training of the GSCP s buffer communities to undertake this and future scientific assessments, which has been completed in the Assessment Phase 37 days of forest inventory and a 7-day training course. The course introduced participants to forest inventories, carbon, REDD, and metric system of measurement and using cardinal points, the compass and GPS units. The team also learned how deforestation and forest degradation is contributing to global warming and how developing countries can be compensated by carbon emitting countries for avoided deforestation. Sustainable forestry is a big employer in this area of the Toledo District and these transferable skills provide opportunities for employment in the local sustainable industry. 13

25 Table 7. List of PACT Foundation Projects Approved for the period April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011 Organization Ya axche Conservation Trust Title/ Description Forest Inventories for Assessment of Environmental Services and Sustainable extraction practices Duration Status Date Approved Amount Approved 12 months Ongoing Dec $36, Objectives 1. Gain information regarding the forest species within the Golden Stream Corridor Preserve for development of sustainable extraction mechanisms within Bladen Nature Reserve (BNR) for enhancement of biodiversity data 2. Build national capacity for protected areas management through training of students from the University of Belize s Environmental Research Institute (UB ERI) and local, contracted rangers Steadfast Tourism and Conservation (STACA) Gap funding for Natural Resource Management, protection and monitoring of Billy Barquedier National Park 11 months Ongoing Dec $33, Objective 1. Provide enforcement/patrol activities in BBNP to ensure the proper management, protection and monitoring of natural resources Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) Enhancing Biodiversity Conservation in the Sarstoon Temash Region 6 months Ongoing Dec $24, Objectives 1. Monitor biodiversity of ecosystems of the area to determine abundance and distribution of certain species of interest 2. Reduce incursions and threats to conservation targets in and around the Sarstoon Temash National Park by patrolling and protecting the biodiversity and natural resources of the area Community Baboon Sanctuary (CBS) Improving Organizational Management and Sustainability Objective 1. Hire a Programme Coordinator to improve the capacity in moving forward sustainability Forest and Marine Reserves Association of Caye Caulker (FAMRACC) Caye Caulker Forest Reserve (CCFR) Habitat Restoration and Outreach Phase III 12 months Ongoing Dec $22, months Ongoing Dec $37, Objectives 1. Maintain high quality conditions on the trail and signs of CCFR while encouraging correct conduct by visitors 2. Maintain restored forest sites in the face of extreme weather conditions and track growth progress 3. Involve school children and other volunteers in planting and maintenance activities 4. Add to CCFR s ability to attract tourism by producing informational brochures for distribution 5. Generate posters and PowerPoint Presentations for display at Caye Caulker s annual Lobsterfest Total $154, Forest Inventory Ya axche

26 MAR Fund The Mesoamerican Reef Fund (MAR Fund) is a private, non-profit corporation created by four environmental funds from Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and México as a financial mechanism for conservation and adequate resource use in the Mesoamerican Reef Eco-region. MAR Fund s mission is to conserve the resources and natural processes in the Mesoamerican Reef region for the benefit of present and future generations, through management, technical and financial support for priority areas and issues such as water quality, sustainable tourism, sustainable fisheries and institutional strengthening. Under the MAR Fund Grants Program, prospective grantees submit proposals in response to Call for Proposals which are advertised as least once a year for grants up to $40, PACT serves as the administrator for the MAR Fund Grants Program in Belize. See below the grant awarded to the Southern Environmental Association (SEA) for this fiscal year. Table 8. List of MAR Fund Projects Approved for the period April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011 Organization Southern Environmental Association (SEA) Title/ Description Strengthening Special Enforcement for Fisheries in the Southern Belize Barrier Reef Complex Illegal Fishing SEA Duration Status Date Approved Amount Approved 11 months Ongoing Jan $150, Objective 1. Reduce the illegal fishing activity within the Southern Belize Reef Complex through continuous support of a strong and effective interagency enforcement team working in collaboration with local community members and relevant government agencies and an increased awareness of fisheries laws and regulations Total $150, The Mesoamerican Reef stretches more than 600 miles along the coast of Belize, Honduras, Guatemala and Mexico, and is the largest coral reef system in the Western Hemisphere. This system protects four spawning aggregation sites where species such as the cubera snapper and the endangered Nassau grouper vastly gather to spawn. The Southern Belize Reef Complex (SBRC) is important both nationally and regionally as it maintains populations of at least 17 species of international concern. Project Feature Many people fish in this area of the reef; and recently, there has been an increase in fishing activities (and illegal fishing activities) within the SBRC. The Southern Environmental Association (SEA) launched a Special Enforcement Program in 2008 to combat this issue. SEA finds itself needing to increase patrols in the surrounding areas due to the increase in illegal fishing activities (largely due to the decline in the local tourism industry). Since it has so far been successful, SEA seeks to strengthen the program to better manage fishing activities, with the goal to reduce illegal fishing activity within the Southern Belize Reef Complex, and this is to be achieved through MAR Fund s grant. 15

27 Environmental Donations This year, PACT awarded 5 environmental donations as listed below. PACT participated in FOSC s Manatee Sand Sculpture Competition as students of Caye Caulker Primary School competed for who could make the best manatee! FOSC held this event in celebration of Earth Day 2011; highlighting the West Indian Manatees. 1 Project Feature Established in 1996, FOSC s mission is to safe-guard the future of manatees by reducing threats to their health and habitat. FOSC is a community based organization, which co-manages the Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary (SCWS) a sanctuary declared for the protection of the endangered manatee. FOSC is working to ensure that proper and timely information on and about manatee protection is available to all Belizeans and visitors. SCWS is roughly 10 minutes away from Belize City (by boat) and covers approximately 8,790 acres home to a healthy population of manatees, the American Crocodile, the bottlenose dolphin and the upside-down jellyfish. Abundant in Belize are the Antillean Manatees, sub-species of the West Indian Manatees, which is more numerous in Belize than anywhere else in the world. The selection was challenging, as all teams expressed their creativity in different forms and successfully presented their knowledge on manatees. After a lengthy debate, the judges finally concluded on 3 winners. Manatee Sculpture Competition FOSC 2 3 Table 9. List of Environmental Donations Approved for the period April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011 Organization Belize Audubon Society (BAS) Title/ Description Clean Up and Repairs to BAS Protected Areas after Hurricane Richard Date Approved Amount Approved Nov $4, Department of Archaeology Belize Archaeology Symposium 2011 Mar $1, Steadfast Tourism and Conservation Association (STACA) Relief efforts for damages to Billy Barquedier National Park caused by Hurricane Richard Feb $1, Friends Of Swallow Caye (FOSC) Manatee Sculpture Competition; 1 st and 2 nd Place Awards Apr $ Forest Department Establishment of Wildlife Corridor Billboards Mar $5, Total $13, Billy Barquedeir National Park STACA

28 Financial Report PACT has concluded its 15th year as the sole National Trust Fund responsible for the financing of protected areas realizing a net income of $1.3 million on gross revenues of $4.4 million. This compares to a net income of $1.0 million in the previous year on earnings of $4.5 million. This year the Trust also grew its endowment fund by 16 percent which now stands at $4.2 million. This endowment has been a solid capital base. It not only serves to secure the operational viability of PACT but was also instrumental in allowing the Trust to secure over 13 percent of its revenues from interest income. This year, administrative expenses saw an increase by less than a half percent to $1.2 million. The impact of this year s performance resulted in the Trust growing its net assets to $8.3 million from $7.0 million in the previous year. The major source of PACT s revenues continue in a similar trend with cruise commissions generating just over $1.9 million (43.8 percent of gross earnings) while PACT fees earned approximately $1.8 million (41.8 percent of total income). The Trust s administrative expenses consumed 26 percent of gross revenues with the largest single category being salaries and staff benefits at 17 percent. This year PACT also reinvested over $450, into the PACT endowment fund while allocating more than $2.8 million towards the Grants Programme. Outlook Based on tourism industry forecast the upcoming fiscal year should see relatively stable revenue streams despite a minor reduction in interest rates which will be partly offset by an increased endowment fund. However, the Trust has embraced the need to broaden its existing revenue sources and is well positioned to undertake these efforts. 17

29 Distribution of Revenue & Expenditure Revenue Distribution Other Income 0.7% PACT Fees 41.8% Commission 43.8% Interest 13.6% Expenditure Distribution Net Income/(Loss) 12% Collection Fees 3% Other Operating Expenses 10% Capital 1% Programme Budget Expense 52% Appro. To Endowment Fund 5% Staff Expenditures 17% 18

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47 Protected Areas of Belize AC - Ambergris Caye Bze - Belize District Cayo - Cayo District Czl - Corozal District OW - Orange Walk District SC - Stann Creek District TD - Toledo District *New Protected Areas Name IUCN Documented Location Co-manager Category Area (acre) Archaeological Reserves (Managed by NICH) Altun Ha ii bze Barton Creek ii Cayo Cahal Pech ii Cayo Caracol ii 25, Cayo Cerro Maya ii Czl El Pilar ii 1, Cayo Lamanai ii OW Lubaantun ii td Marco Gonzalez ii bze Nim Li Punit ii td Nohoch Che em ii Cayo Santa Rita ii Czl Serpon Sugar Mill ii SC St. George s Caye Cemetery ii bze Xunantunich ii Cayo Yarborough Cemetery ii bze Bird Sanctuaries (Managed by the Lands Department) Bird Caye iv bze Doubloon Bank iv bze Little Guana Caye iv Czl Los Salones iv Czl Man of War Caye iv SC Monkey Caye iv td Un-Named Caye iv bze 36 Forest Reserves (Managed by the Forest Department) Caye Caulker (Marine) Vi bze Forest & Marine Reserves Assoc. of Caye Caulker (FAMRACC) Chiquibul Vi 147, Cayo friends for Conservation & Development (FCD) Columbia River Vi 148, td Deep River Vi 78, td Freshwater Creek Vi 28, Czl/Bze-OW Grants Work Vi 7, SC Machaca Vi 3, td Manatee Vi 89, bze-sc Mango Creek 1 Vi 13, SC Mango Creek 2 Vi SC Mango Creek 4 Vi 11, SC/BZ-TD Maya Mountain Vi 41, Cayo Monkey Caye Vi 1, td Mountain Pine Ridge Vi 106, Cayo Sibun Vi 106, Cayo Sittee River Vi 93, SC Swasey Bladen Vi 15, td Vaca Vi 40, Cayo

48 Name IUCN Documented Location Co-manager Category Area (acre) Mangrove Reserve St. George s Caye bze Marine Reserves (Managed by the Fisheries Department) Bacalar Chico iv 15, ac Caye Caulker Vi 9, bze Forest & Marine Reserves Assoc. of Caye Caulker (FAMRACC) Gladden Spit/ Silk Cayes iv 25, SC Southern Environmental Association (SEA) Glover s Reef iv 86, SC Hol Chan ii 13, bze Port Honduras iv 101, td toledo Institute for Development & Environment (TIDE) Sapodilla Cayes iv 38, td Southern Environmental Association (SEA) Southwater Caye iv 117, SC National Parks (Managed by the Forest Department) Aguas Turbias ii 8, OW Bacalar Chico (Marine) V 28, ac Billy Barquedier ii 1, SC Steadfast Tourism and Conservation Association (STACA) Chiquibul ii 285, Cayo friends for Conservation & Development (FCD) Five Blues Lake ii 4, Cayo belize Audubon Society (BAS) Gra Gra Lagoon ii 1, SC friends of Gra Gra Guanacaste ii Cayo belize Audubon Society (BAS) Honey Camp ii 7, Czl/Bze-OW Laughing Bird Caye (Marine) ii 10, SC Southern Environmental Association (SEA) Mayflower Bocawina II 7, SC Friends of Mayflower Bocawina Melinda* ii SC Monkey Bay ii 2, bze Noj Kaax Meen Eligio Panti ii 14, Cayo belize Development Foundation (BDF) Payne s Creek ii 37, td toledo Institute for Development & Environment (TIDE) Peccary Hills ii 10, bze Rio Blanco ii td rio Blanco Mayan Association (RBMA) Sarstoon/Temash ii 41, td Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Mgt. (SATIIM) St. Herman s Blue Hole ii Cayo Belize Audubon Society (BAS) Natural Monuments (Managed by the Forest Department) Actun Tunichil Muknal ia Cayo belize Audubon Society (BAS) Blue Hole (Marine) iii 1, bze belize Audubon Society (BAS) Half Moon Caye (Marine) ii 9, bze belize Audubon Society (BAS) Thousand Foot Fall iii 1, Cayo belize Audubon Society (BAS) Victoria Peak iii 4, SC belize Audubon Society (BAS) Nature Reserves (Managed by the Forest Department) Bladen ia 99, td Ya axche Conservation Trust Burdon Creek ia 4, bze Hopkins Wetlands* 1, SC Tapir Mountain ii 6, Cayo belize Audubon Society (BAS) Private Reserves (Managed by the Forest Department) Aguacate Lagoon iv Cayo Mennonite Community Community Baboon Sanctuary IV 12, bze Community Baboon Sanctuary Women s Cons. Group Golden Stream Corridor Preserve IV 15, td Ya axche Conservation Trust Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary IV 1, bze Matthew Miller Rio Bravo Conservation & IV 259, OW Programme for Belize (PfB) Management Area Runaway Creek iv 7, bze birds Without Borders Shipstern Nature Reserve iv 18, Czl International Tropical Cons. Fdn TIDE Block 127 iv 11, td toledo Institute for Development & Environment (TIDE) 37

49 Name IUCN Documented Location Co-manager Category Area (acre) Public Reserves Cockroach Bay 19,988 bze Dolphin Park ii bze Grants Land Czl Krooman Reserve bze Seine Bight Village SC Wildlife Sanctuaries (Managed by the Forest Department) Agua Caliente (Luha) iv 5, td aguacaliente Management Team Cockscomb Basin iv 87, SC/BZ-TOL Belize Audubon Society (BAS) Corozal Bay iv 180, Czl Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation & Dev. (SACD) Crooked Tree iv 41, bze-ow Belize Audubon Society (BAS) Gales Point iv 9, bze gales Point Wildlife Sanctuary Management Committee Labouring Creek Jaguar Corridor* IV 9, bze-cayo PANTHERA Spanish Creek iv 5, OW rancho Dolores Environmental Dev. Group Swallow Caye iv 8, bze Friends of Swallow Caye (FOSC) Spawning Aggregation Site Reserves (Managed by the Fisheries Department) Caye Bokel, Turneffe Island Atoll IV 1, bze Dog Flea Caye, Turneffe Island Atoll IV 1, bze Emily or Caye Glory iv 1, SC Gladden Spit iv 3, SC Nicholas Caye, Sapodilla Cayes IV 1, td Northern Glover s Reef Atoll IV 1, SC Rise and Fall Bank, Sapodilla Cayes IV 4, td Rocky Point, Ambergris Caye IV 1, Czl Sandbore, Lighthouse Reef Atoll IV 1, bze Seal Caye, Sapodilla Cayes iv 1, td South Point, Lighthouse Reef Atoll IV 1, bze Nassau Grouper & Species Protection (Managed by the Fisheries Department) Maugre Caye, Turneffe Atoll iv 1, bze Northern Two Cayes, Lighthouse Reef IV e bze Note: S.R. & O - Statutory Rule & Order S. I - Statutory Instrument Documented Area may differ from the GIS area Private Reserves are only those recognized by the Forest Department Source: Land Information Centre, Land and Surveys Department 38

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